Courses

A general survey of the field of sociology and how human society works. Materials focus on an understanding of modern societies.

SOCI 190 Directed Study

.00 - 3.00 credits

Topic determined by instructor.

SOCI 193 FYS:

3.00 credits

The First-Year Seminar (FYS) introduces new Gonzaga students to the University, the Core Curriculum, and Gonzaga’s Jesuit mission and heritage. While the seminars will be taught by faculty with expertise in particular disciplines, topics will be addressed in a way that illustrates approaches and methods of different academic disciplines. The seminar format of the course highlights the participatory character of university life, emphasizing that learning is an active, collegial process.

SOCI 200 Social Probl, Sol & Soc Change

3.00 credits

This is a course on the study of major social problems. Specifically the course will demonstrate how sociology skills can be employed to bring about social change.

Equivalent:

SOSJ 240 - OK if taken since Fall 2015

SOCI 202 Statistics for Social Science

3.00 credits

An introduction to the basic concepts of descriptive and inferential statistics with an emphasis on social scientific applications.

Prerequisite:

SOCI 101 Minimum Grade: D
or CRIM 101 Minimum Grade: D

SOCI 244 Sex, Gender and Society

3.00 credits

Explores theories and research on the constructions of masculinity and femininity and how these influence our individual lives and social institutions.

Equivalent:

SOSJ 220 - OK if taken since Fall 2015, WGST 201 - OK if taken since Fall 2009

SOCI 246 Sociology of Sport

3.00 credits

SOCI 255 Sociology of Literature

3.00 credits

This course explores the relationship between literature and society through an intensive reading and examination of popular novels. By focusing on the production, transmission, representation and consumption of literature in society, students learn how to read academic and literary writing, and how to write using social scientific concepts to explain the cultural phenomenon of popular novels.

SOCI 283 Sociology of Health & Medicine

3.00 credits

This course examines the social context of health, illness and health care. Particular attention will be paid to the effects of culture and social inequality on health, the interaction of various health care professionals and political debates about the health care system.

SOCI 290 Directed Study

1.00 - 3.00 credits

Topic determined by instructor.

SOCI 295 Special Topics

1.00 - 3.00 credits

Topic determined by instructor.

SOCI 304 Research Methods

3.00 credits

Provides training and experience designing, conducting, and analyzing social research through projects using surveys, interviews, and observation. The course is useful for students contemplating careers in which knowledge concerning people (customers, clients, employees, students, etc.) is needed for testing theories, making decisions, targeting appeals, etc. Required for all majors.

SOCI 311 Classical Social Theory

3.00 credits

Analyzes the theories developed by Marx, Weber, Durkheim, and others during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries and how these continue to influence the work of sociologists today. This course invites students to examine their own practices of theorizing.

SOCI 312 Contemporary Social Theory

3.00 credits

Explores the major strategies for sociological theorizing developed during the twentieth century in America and Western Europe. Considers how constructions of modernity and postmodernity are central to understanding what theorizing means and what it can contribute to our work as sociologists and as citizens.

SOCI 322 Latin American Society

3.00 credits

An overview of Latin American development. Several socio-economic factors are examined. Development issues are broadly conceptualized within economic, demographic, and cultural dimensions. These variables are viewed as overlapping forces influencing development.

Equivalent:

INST 315 - OK if taken since Fall 1996

SOCI 323 Race and Minority Relations

3.00 credits

A consideration, through theory and research, of the concepts of race; racial conflicts; ethnic, political, sexual, and religious minorities; and the modes of adjustment to such situations.

Equivalent:

SOSJ 321 - OK if taken since Fall 2015

SOCI 325 Mexican American Experience

3.00 credits

Course will study the historical development of Mexican American society, culture and community from 1848 to the present. Sociological themes of assimilation and cultural pluralism will provide the foundation for the analysis of this ethnic group. Team-taught in English.

SOCI 326 East Asian Society

3.00 credits

As a socio-historical survey of China, Korea and Japan from 1800 to the present, this course examines the political, economic, ideological and cultural transformations within East Asia through the transformative processes of imperialism, colonialism, modernization, war and revolution, and globalization. By exploring how cultural, social and political dimensions overlap and influence economic development, students gain insight into contemporary social change, representation and power in East Asia.

SOCI 327 Social & Economic Inequalities

3.00 credits

Examines the distribution of such social rewards as income, power, style of life, wealth, and prestige among members of a society. Also considers a variety of sociological explanations for the distribution of rewards; compares and contrasts stratification systems across societies.

Equivalent:

SOSJ 322 - OK if taken since Fall 2015

SOCI 329 Sociology of Culture

3.00 credits

Focus on analysis of rules and values that constitute American culture, especially in relation to how these are portrayed in mass media and the built environment.

SOCI 330 Society and the Individual

3.00 credits

Social psychology introduces novelty into the ancient pastime of speculating about human behavior and human groups by attempting to use scientific methods. This course focuses on the relationship between individuals and groups. It includes an examination of the impact of groups on individuals, and the impact of individuals on the groups to which they belong. Topics covered include friendship, leadership, influence, the self-concept, prejudice, and morality.

SOCI 334 Collective Behavior & Soc Mvmn

3.00 credits

Crowds, riots, protests, and social movements are the subject matter of this course. These forms of social behavior are often characterized by the spontaneous development of new norms and social organization that may contradict, reinterpret and/or challenge existing social arrangements. The purpose of this course is to examine the range of collectivities encompassed within the field of collective and social movement behavior, and their impact on society particularly their role in promoting social change and social justice.

SOCI 336 Socialization

3.00 credits

Much of what makes human life interesting and exciting revolves around personality - the complex cluster of traits that makes each of us unique. This course focuses on the way our experiences with others in the family, school, and at work shape our personalities while preparing us to become a part of society.

SOCI 337 Subcultures

3.00 credits

This course examines a specific type of social group- the subculture- and the relationship between subcultures and the larger culture. Students will review the historical development of subcultural studies, with dual emphasis on theory and methodology.

SOCI 342 Gender, Family and Society

3.00 credits

Examines images and practices of family life in American society. Uses historical material to show how ideals about family life have developed. Discusses definitions of "family" as political, with a special emphasis on the politics of gender. Connects debates over how to define and understand family with decisions about social policies.

Equivalent:

WGST 360 - OK if taken since Fall 2009, WOMS 360 - OK if taken between Fall 1996 and Fall 2009

SOCI 350 Deviant Behavior

3.00 credits

Knavery, skullduggery, cheating, crime, malingering, cutting corners, immorality, dishonesty, betrayal, wickedness, and all other unconventional activities are forms of deviance. All known societies have members who become deviants. This course introduces students to several theories explaining deviance and examines the life styles of a variety of deviants.

SOCI 351 Criminology

3.00 credits

A study of crime and criminal offenders in America. Special attention will be given to criminal statistics, theoretical explanations, and public policy.

SOCI 353 Juvenile Delinquency

3.00 credits

An investigation of the nature and extent of juvenile delinquents in America. Special attention will be given to theoretical explanations; the effect of family, peers and school; and the history of the juvenile justice system in handling juvenile offenders.

SOCI 354 Sociology of Mental Illness

3.00 credits

This course provides an analysis of the problems of mental health and illness from the sociological perspective. Sociological approaches on the definition of mental illness; the social epidemiology of mental illness, problems of recognizing and defining conditions of mental illness, and hospital and community treatment of mental illness will be covered.

SOCI 355 Elite & White Collar Deviance

3.00 credits

This course examines deviance and crimes committed by organizations and the rich and powerful. The nature, extent and societal effects of various types of elite and white collar deviance are examined.

Equivalent:

SOSJ 323 - OK if taken since Fall 2015

SOCI 356 Sociology of Policing

3.00 credits

This course examines law enforcement in American society with a focus on empirical research and sociological and criminological theory. Students will review the historical development of policing in the United States, the roles of the police in contemporary society, the structure and responsibilities of law enforcement agencies in this country, and the interaction between institutional and individual aspects of police work. Students will also be exposed to research and theory on controversial issues in law enforcement, including the use of force, police deviance, the use of discretion, the impact of social inequality on enforcement, and policing in the mass media.

Prerequisite:

CRIM 101 Minimum Grade: D
or SOCI 101 Minimum Grade: D

SOCI 378 Social EconmicDevelopmentItaly

3.00 credits

The impact of social theories on economic problems in Italy. The Mezzogiorno treated from the economic, sociological, political, and religious points of view. Florence campus only.

SOCI 380 Global Social Change

3.00 credits

This course examines social change and its implications for individuals and groups at the local and global level, and offers sociological perspectives on the political, economic, and cultural processes of globalization throughout the world, including Asia, Latin America, North America, Africa and the Middle East. This course explores the historical development of global capitalism with a focus on the changing relationships between markets, states, and civil societies, and analyzes the forces that promote and resist these changes, including migration, state violence and social movements. Questions of power and inequality will be central to our approach, as we explore global social change through the lens of world-systems theory, neoliberalism, and neo-institutionalism. Offered every other year.

Equivalent:

SOSJ 345 - OK if taken since Fall 2015

SOCI 381 Politics and Society

3.00 credits

An empirical analysis of the major theories which attempt to describe the actual distribution of power in America. The course is primarily concerned with how power in societies is contested, given legitimacy, and sustained; it also examines political behavior of the public focusing on voting behavior.

SOCI 382 Population and Society

3.00 credits

There are more people on this planet than ever before, and the problems associated with population growth seem to be everywhere. Urban crowding, disease, poverty, ethnic tensions, refugees, illegal immigration, environmental degradation, unemployment, aging and the social security "crisis" are just a few of these troubles. This course introduces students to the study of population and demography to help them better understand these issues. After learning how to measure and analyze population characteristics and trends, students will explore the relationship between population changes and contemporary social and political issues in the developing regions of the world.

SOCI 383 Environmental Sociology

3.00 credits

This course examines human relationships with the natural environment. It explores how power structures, social norms, ideologies and politics affect our relationship and treatment of the environment.

Equivalent:

ENVS 326 - OK if taken since Fall 2007

SOCI 384 Sociology of Religion

3.00 credits

Studies works of classical and contemporary sociologists on the social and cultural aspects of religion. Examines how religion is influenced by social conditions and often plays an important role in shaping society.

Equivalent:

RELI 493 - OK if taken since Fall 1996

SOCI 385 Law and Society

3.00 credits

The central question of this course is how do social policies that contribute to the common good come to be written into law in some times and places and not others? The course analyzes an array of political, economic, social, and cultural factors that combine to shape policy development. Case studies will includes education, welfare, health care, the environment, and/or other policy domain’s.

SOCI 388 Sociology of Education

3.00 credits

This course is a sociological analysis of American Schools and Schooling, with a particular focus on social inequality. The course will investigate how race, class, and gender shape student experiences and the policy efforts that have been (and could be) attempted to alleviate student inequalities. Throughout the course we will address the fundamental tension between the success of individuals and the collective good in education.

SOCI 390 Feminist Thought

3.00 credits

Analyzes the contributions of feminist scholars to social and political theory and shows how feminist scholarship is transforming topics, methods, and goals. Reviews the major approaches to feminist theorizing and invites students to put these to work examining contemporary social and political issues.

Prerequisite:

SOCI 244 Minimum Grade: D
or WGST 201 Minimum Grade: D

Equivalent:

WGST 401 - OK if taken between Spring 2011 and Spring 2011

SOCI 391 Directed Study

1.00 - 3.00 credits

Topic determined by instructor.

SOCI 395 Topics in Sociology

1.00 - 4.00 credits

Topic determined by instructor.

SOCI 396 Topics in Sociology

3.00 - 4.00 credits

Topic determined by instructor.

SOCI 397 Topics in Sociology

1.00 - 4.00 credits

Topic determined by instructor.

SOCI 398 Topics in Sociology

3.00 credits

Topic determined by instructor.

SOCI 399 Topics in Sociology

3.00 credits

Topic determined by instructor.

SOCI 432 CIS:

3.00 credits

The Core Integration Seminar (CIS) engages the Year Four Question: “Imagining the possible: What is our role in the world?” by offering students a culminating seminar experience in which students integrate the principles of Jesuit education, prior components of the Core, and their disciplinary expertise. Each section of the course will focus on a problem or issue raised by the contemporary world that encourages integration, collaboration, and problem solving. The topic for each section of the course will be proposed and developed by each faculty member in a way that clearly connects to the Jesuit Mission, to multiple disciplinary perspectives, and to our students’ future role in the world.

SOCI 486 Seminar

1.00 - 3.00 credits

Topic determined by instructor.

SOCI 487 Seminar

1.00 - 3.00 credits

Topic determined by instructor.

SOCI 488 Seminar

1.00 - 3.00 credits

Topic determined by instructor.

SOCI 489 Seminar

1.00 - 3.00 credits

Topic determined by instructor.

SOCI 490 Directed Readings

1.00 - 3.00 credits

Supervised advanced reading in selected topics in sociology. Must obtain permission from department.

SOCI 494 Seminar in Research & Theory

1.00 - 3.00 credits

In this class, students design and execute original research projects, and present their findings to the public. Students must submit a proposal to the professor prior to being allowed to register for the class. Research experiences for undergraduates are well known as high-impact educational practices that carry with them a variety of benefits for students, faculty, and universities. Our program provides undergraduates with the opportunity to develop and conduct original social science research projects. Over the course of a full academic year, students achieve the following goals:
1. Develop a thorough understanding of the scholarship and sociological theory in their area(s) of interest.
2. Develop a research question that identifies a gap in the literature.

SOCI 495 Independent Research Project

1.00 - 3.00 credits

Approved directed experience in sociological research proposed by the student.

SOCI 496 Practicum in Sociology

1.00 - 3.00 credits

Supervised experience in a selected social agency. Credit by arrangement.

Prerequisite:

SOCI 101 Minimum Grade: D

SOCI 497 Sociology Internship

.00 - 6.00 credits

Practical experience working within a variety of settings related to the field of sociology. Internships are individually arranged.

SOCI 498 Senior Honors Thesis

3.00 credits

Students with a 3.70 grade point average in their sociology courses who wish to be graduated with departmental honors in sociology must enroll in this course in the semester prior to the semester in which they are graduated. Work is done under the direction of a faculty member from the department. The student must pass an oral examination of the thesis administered by the department. The thesis may be theoretical or based upon empirical research.

SOCI 499 Sociological Analysis

3.00 credits

Offers sociology majors the opportunity to review theories and research, and to consider how these might be useful for understanding current social issues. Required of all sociology majors and fulfills comprehensive examination requirement. Spring.